Let’s be honest: being a mom in this exact moment feels like a lot. We are trying to give TED Talks, fix snacks, fight systemic inequality, and fold laundry—at the same time. Then there is the emotional weight of raising our children in a world that’s teetering somewhere between chaos and the next news alert. Whew—this job is not for the faint of heart.
I am not sure I realized how off-kilter things were until my own daughter had a whole moment. During a lesson, this teacher casually reminded the class of the often-repeated refrain: none of them would likely ever own a home. It is a comment she’s heard a million times before. But this time, it landed differently for baby girl. This time, my child wasn’t just irritated by their defeatist attitude; she came home feeling deeply unsettled.
It’s a hard time to be a teen on the cusp of adulthood. Today’s news cycle is one even the most TikTok-obsessed teen can barely tune out. Between devastating plane crashes, climate anxieties, political turmoil, and constant talk of potential wars—trade or otherwise—my daughter has been taking it all in. The offhand comment that she would typically shrug off suddenly carried a weight she hadn’t felt before.
Never mind the usual battles they face of low self-esteem or the everyday little things like frenemies that can set teen hormones ablaze. These times right now are a special moment. And for my not-so-little girl, for once, celebrity gossip couldn’t distract her from the heaviness of the moment.
Because Even We Need Mothering Sometimes
Our teens, young adults, and even our young daughters right now are definitely looking for more than feel-better hugs; they’re looking for genuine reassurance and tangible hope. That’s part of why I created a set of Affirmations and Quotes to Inspire Black Teen Girls. Something they (and we) can reach for when the world starts to feel too loud.
I’ll be honest—there have been moments (yes, several) when I felt like I was running on fumes. I hope to be my daughter’s best friend— (no, not one of her little friends!). Anyways – that means showing up with life lessons and good food in hard times. I was trying to hold space for my daughter, respond to the weight of the world she was carrying, and still make dinner no one would complain about.
The emotional load of being a mother through tough times is no small thing. We’re not just packing lunches and signing permission slips. Black mothers are trying to raise whole human beings with hope and self-worth in a world that feels like it’s unravelling by the hour.
And when she turned to me for clarity, for comfort, an affirmation of the mother-daughter bond — for something that sounded better than “hang in there!” I felt it for the first time in a long time: the quiet panic of realizing I didn’t have the right words. Not yet. Not while I was running on empty myself.
That’s when I knew I needed to pause. I needed to remember that I’m not just her cheerleader—I’m still someone who needs her own pep talk, too.
Auntie Wisdom & Ancestral Pep Talks
So I reached for what I always do in the hardest moments. I sought out wisdom of Black women who’ve walked this road before me. I went looking for their words, their reflections, their reminders that I’m not alone—and neither is my daughter. Because while there’s a whole lot of emotional labour Black women are finally laying down (as we should!), what we are holding onto, with intention and care, is the sacred work of uplifting our daughters. Of showing them what love, strength, and rooted joy looks like.
And before I could give that to her, I knew the best thing I could do was to offer it to myself. Especially as someone who didn’t grow up with a model of what it is to be a perfect mother—who is trying to do it differently, more intentionally, more gently. We’re not just mothering our kids; we’re re-mothering ourselves in the process.
And the greatest gift we can give ourselves is a deep breath, a soft space, and grace.
Inspirational Mother-Daughter Quotes That Refuel Us
Possibly the best thing we can do as mothers—especially when the world is doing the most —is give ourselves full permission to pause. To breathe. Reflect. And to gently recharge. Whether it’s five minutes alone in the car or a weekend away (hey, we can dream), we deserve moments that nurture us.
That also means protecting our peace. Setting boundaries like, “No, I don’t need to explain myself,” and “Actually, I’m off the clock.” It means seeking out spaces and voices that fill us up instead of draining us dry.
For me, words of other Black mothers—writers, artists, aunties, and ancestors—have the perfect way of reminding me of what’s possible when we mother with both tenderness and power. Their wisdom has become a kind of oxygen mask. Something I reach for when I’m feeling depleted, overwhelmed, or just trying to remember who I am beneath the laundry and the headlines.
These beautiful quotes aren’t just inspiring—they’re grounding. They’re a deep-rooted part of our legacy. And every time I revisit them, I feel more able to show up for my daughter with intention, not just exhaustion.
Mother Daughter Love: Quotes to Refuel Your Spirit by
“My mother shed her protective love down around me and without knowing why people sensed that I had value.” — Maya Angelou
The most beautiful part of protective, unconditional love is how it wraps our daughters in an invisible armour of confidence. It helps them recognize their intrinsic value, empowering them to face the world fearlessly. Our greatest challenge as mothers is to provide safety without sheltering them from life’s realities—to champion them fiercely yet gently.
“My purpose is to teach and demonstrate what is possible. To demonstrate love of God and good. Remember what my role is as a woman: to be… good. My role as a mother: to teach, support and nurture my offspring. My role as a grandmother: to remind everybody—right where you are, God is.” — Iyanla Vanzant
The mother-daughter relationship is beautifully layered and complex. We are educators, nurturers, cheerleaders, spiritual guides, and a powerful force for goodness. By teaching our daughters to embrace their own goodness, we equip them to bring meaningful change to the world, starting within their own hearts.
“I think the deepest love I have experienced has been the love of my mother. It has sustained me, encouraged me, and comforted me through every moment of my life.” — Viola Davis
A mother’s love is more than emotional support; it’s an anchor, an unbreakable bond, providing unwavering strength through life’s storms. One of the most beautiful gifts we give our daughters is courage from knowing they’re never alone—our love is their steady foundation.
“Even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own, I will be your projector. And even though I know someday you’re gonna shine on your own, I will be your protector, born to be your protector.” — Beyoncé
We mothers understand that our daughters are destined to shine brightly in their own right. Yet, we also know our role as their lifelong friend is to illuminate their paths and fiercely guard their spirits until they’re ready to stand independently.
“I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is.” — Oprah Winfrey
Choosing motherhood means embracing a profound role of spiritual guidance and unconditional support. Even if it’s not our biological daughters, one of the great things about our community is our ability to ensure Aunties love our kids like their own.
To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colours of a rainbow.” — Maya Angelou
As mothers, we embody strength and grace, power and tenderness simultaneously. These qualities passed down through generations, become part of the legacy we hope our beautiful daughter will carry forward. Building lives defined by resilience, beauty, and undeniable strength.
“From speaking with my mother, I learned that forgiveness is a process that begins with the choice to end your own suffering.” — Iyanla Vanzant
The lessons good mothers impart to our daughters shape their emotional landscapes profoundly. In moments of turmoil, showing our daughters how to forgive empowers them. They learn to reclaim their peace and strength, for sure during good times but also amidst the chaos.
“Where there is a woman there is magic.” — Ntozake Shange
There’s something inherently powerful about the presence of a woman—especially a Black mother. We create pure love, protect, heal, and uplift. We live in joyful moments of the present and help make sense of the past. That magic is in how we lead, love, and show up for our daughters.
“Kids are a direct reflection of the best part of ourselves.” — Nia Long
When we look at our children, we see our hopes, our lessons, and our love reflected right back at us. Our daughters mirror our strength, our humour, and our tenacity—and that’s a beautiful responsibility to carry.
Refilling Our Cups, One Unconditional Love Quote at a Time
In these uncertain times, one great thing we can do is lean into the wisdom of every strong woman and mother who came before us. They remind us of our collective strength. The bond between a Black mother and her daughter is not just powerful; it’s transformative.
We might be the only person equipped and ready to look into our daughter’s eyes and remind her she’s got everything she needs to face this world—but we should do it after we’ve poured something back into ourselves. Tea, therapy, a nap, a playlist, or a pep talk from Maya Angelou—whatever it takes to refill that cup.
Because no matter what nonsense is unfolding in the family group chat or the headlines, one of the best things we can do is fiercely protect this deep-rooted special bond of connection. It’s not just survival—it’s strategy. It’s legacy.
And don’t forget to treat yourself, too. For a little more joy and gentle self-care, check out our list of Black-owned Canadian self-care brands. Because no point going #elbowsup if they’re ashy – sometimes the revolution starts with body butter and a boundary.
